A former Premier League star, who rose to prominence with Arsenal, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
The midfielder has featured at some of Europe’s biggest clubs and represented his country Cameroon 49 times, before calling time on his international career in 2015.
After starring with the Gunners, spending seven years of his career at the Emirates, he made the switch for Barcelona where he would win LaLiga in 2012-13 – his only major title of his 19-year career.
He’d later move back to the Premier League on two successive loans, joining the Hammers on both occasions.
But now, after stints in Rubin Kazan and Sion, the defensive midfielder would finish his career in Djibouti, collecting two Djibouti Premier League titles and two Djibouti Cups – despite only playing five time for his club, AS Arta/Solar7.
A former Premier League star, who rose to prominence with Arsenal, has retired from football
The player in question is Alex Song.
His last appearance on the pitch came in the first round of last year’s CAF Champions League against Al-Merrikh in September but now the 36-year-old has decided to call time on his career to oversee the development of youth players at the African club.
‘It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my boots,’ Song wrote on Instagram.
‘My journey that began in Yaoundé as a child, playing with no boots, in bare feet and on hard gravel, gave me the strength and courage to succeed.
‘When I moved to France, playing for Bastia I thought I had achieved a miracle. However, this was only the start as my journey continued to Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the greatest clubs in the world.
Alex Song made 204 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals and making 23 assists
Song would later join Barcelona for £15m before making a return to England with West Ham
‘So many people have helped me along the way, my wife, my kids, family, friends, my agent, coaches and of course all my teammates whom I will forever be grateful.
‘Of course Charlton, West Ham, Rubin Kazan, Sion and Arta/Solar 7 will always remain in my heart.
‘Having the honour of representing my country 60 times also filled me with great pride. I feel blessed with so many great memories that will remain with me forever.
‘Lastly, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported me along the way, I will treasure everything. I hope to see you all again soon. Alex. There is only one Song.’
Song signed for Arsenal in 2006 and made 205 appearances for the club, before making the £15million switch to Catalonia in the summer of 2012, after six years at Arsenal.
